Longer Path To The Road

State Sets Out Stricter Seven-part Project For Licensing Teen Drivers

July 10, 2008|By JON LENDER; Courant Staff Writer

Teen drivers will need to log twice as many hours behind the wheel before getting their licenses, and must take a longer, tougher test to obtain learner's permits, under new state laws and administrative rules that will take effect Aug. 1.

The changes are among new procedures that the Department of Motor Vehicles is introducing as the result of legislation and administrative recommendations from the governor's teen driving task force.

On Wednesday, Motor Vehicles Commissioner Robert M. Ward presented what he called a "seven-step process" for licensing teen drivers, and he said it will require extra effort from parents and driving schools.

"There is a general consensus that our current system for training and testing teen drivers needs improvement," Ward said. "While I recognize that change can be difficult ... I believe that the steps we are taking will help produce a better and safer teen driver."

The seven steps are:

*The teen begins driver education at home or through a certified school.

*He or she takes a new tougher 25-question test - instead of 10 questions - covering driving knowledge and rules of the road. The test is required for a learner's permit. For a passing grade, the teen must get 20 of 25 answers correct.

*With a learner's permit, which now will have a photo and resemble a driver's license, the teen must undergo 40 hours of on-the-road training - up from 20 - documented in a log signed by a parent or professional driving instructor.

*The teen begins in-depth training, such as classes at either driving schools or high school driver-ed classes. These are not required, but result in insurance discounts.

*The teen completes a state-required eight hours of classes covering drugs, alcohol and safety issues. The eight hours are the same as before, but now a parent must be present for two hours.

*Then, the student takes the DMV road test.

*The DMV issues a "graduated license" - with restrictions on passengers - for use until the driver turns 18.

The new licensing rules share the same Aug. 1 effective date as the tough new law governing teens already driving. That law includes new penalties for violations and changes the driving curfew for 16- and 17-year-olds from midnight to 11 p.m.

One of the biggest differences in the new licensing procedures is that the DMV is going from its current two "knowledge tests" - still commonly called "written tests" although generally taken on computer - down to one. Up to now, a student driver has had to pass a 10-question knowledge test for a learner's permit, and then a 16-question test before the road test.

The change is drawing criticism from driving schools and safety advocates who say that only one 25-question test in the beginning - and no second test before the road test - removes any incentive for youths to pay attention in the typical 30-hour driver-ed courses at driving schools and high schools.

Ward said the new rules will require parents and driving schools to "reinvent" their approach and work to improve the schools' programs. For example, he said, "we recommend driving schools themselves administer tests for each training section taught, to ensure students have learned the material. If the student fails to pass, the school should require the section to be repeated before issuing the certificate that allows the student to apply for a road test at the DMV."